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Doing our own work.
Why? FSM’s Mission is to “conserve Maine’s forestlands to sustain their ecological, economic, cultural, and recreational values.” We view the cultural part of our mission not only in relation to Maine’s historical timber and logging industry, but also as the long-standing connection the Indigenous peoples of Maine have to this land. We understand that Wabanaki relationship to lands and waters is inherent to sustain their way of life, which has not always been considered within Maine’s timber and logging history. Our organization is well positioned to help change this narrative by providing access to land through FSM’s conservation easements and to working with Wabanaki communities and organizations on priority land return projects.
How? FSM’s 2020 Strategic Plan urged the organization to explore collaboration with Tribal Nations. This has resulted in FSM reaching out to Wabanaki communities at the outset of new projects to seek their involvement, learn about sites of cultural significance, and to update easement language to ensure nothing in the easement would prevent Wabanaki access and use of the land with landowner permission. FSM continues to listen to concerns from Wabanaki people regarding our easement process and strives to incorporate suggestions to ensure FSM’s easement initiatives are supportive of Wabanaki access to culturally important land and that they do not impede land return to Wabanaki Tribes.
FSM contributed to the Wolankeyutomone kisi apaciyewik “Let us take good care of what is returned” Fund. We understand that along with land return comes the financial burden of taxes and stewardship costs, and the Fund is an integral piece of returning land and access.
FSM is committed to building relationships through field trips, guest speakers, and trainings, which have also helped board members and staff in their understanding and learning. This illustrates our long-term commitment to relationship building with the Wabanaki. These have included things like a board and staff training by Wabanaki Reach, and a staff canoe trip down the Penobscot River to the Sugar Island cultural site by Penobscot and Mahoosuc guides.
Penobscot Nation Trust Land, Mattamiscontis Tour with FSM.
Wigwam on Sugar Island, Penobscot Nation Territory, photo by Polly Mahoney.
